TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles located in your face to help open and close your mouth. ATMJ located on each side of the head, works together when you chew, speak or swallow. They also control the mandible, lower jaw as it moves forward, backward or side-to-side.
Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely, rotate or glide. Problems may arise for individuals when this muscles, ligaments, discs and bones cannot properly work together. If TMJ problems occur it can be painful, temporary, or go away with little or no treatment.
Some possible causes of TMJ problems can be a result from the following:
- Arthritis
- Injury
- Tooth and jaw alignment
- Stress and teeth grinding
Can dental implants be the root of TMJ problems?
Although dental implants may not be an immediate cause of jaw, neck or TMJ pain specifically, they could potentially play a small role in some specific scenarios. If a crown that is connected to an implant is not adjusted properly, this could be a large factor in a patient’s jaw pain.
An uneven bite can contribute to TMJ pain causing a patient discomfort. A fix for this scenario would be to simply have a dentist adjust the patient’s bite on the implant crown to bring the bite to balance. Following the bite adjustment, the pain should begin to alleviate.
Finding the right care for you
If you are interested in dental implants, but are unsure or hesitant, the staff at Mile High Smiles wants to assure you that they are willing to help answer any questions you may have. The dentist, Dr. Levitin is extremely focused on giving you the dental care and experience you as a patient deserve. We are available for appointments weekly and would love to schedule you as soon as possible. For your convenience we are located in the Belmar and Lakewood area.
